Wales are staying ‘Together Stronger’ on the road to Russia – and have decked Cardiff City Stadium out in new branding to prove it ahead of their World Cup qualifying opener with Moldova.

The FA of Wales first launched their modern motto back in 2014 as they aimed to create history and reach Euro 2016 – the first major finals in more than half a century.

Taking inspiration from the words on the FAW crest – Gorau Chwarae Cyd Chwarae, meaning Best Play is Team Play – the words transcended a mere marketing campaign as they were lived out by players and fans alike on the way to France and on the incredible journey to the semi-finals.

The association quickly spurned any thoughts of ditching the motto for the new campaign as Chris Coleman’s side look to make it to the 2018 World Cup and return to the game’s greatest stage for the first time since Sweden in 1958.

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But, with proof that qualification is the determined target for all in Welsh football, they’ve given it a Russian twist with lettering and graphics inspired by the host nation.

Fans caught their first glimpse of the branding as Coleman named his squad for Monday’s home clash with Moldova, but they won’t be able to miss it when a bumper crowd is expected for the first game of the ten-game campaign that all will hope leads to Russia in two years’ time.

The front of Cardiff City Stadium has been decked in a huge FAW crest with the ‘‘Together Stronger’ words beneath it, with giant Russian-style illustrations of captain Ashley Williams, talisman Gareth Bale and other members of Coleman’s men either side.

The images that adorn the corridors of Cardiff City Stadium this week (Image: Sam Bagnall - 73 Management)

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And it’s been repeated inside the 34,000-seater venue with the slogan, star names and the original motto all wrapped around the tiers to really ram home the identity of this reborn football nation.

It was a ploy first noticed in the last campaign, the FAW splashing the cash to ensure the home of Cardiff City felt like the home of the national side, something that reaped rewards as wins over Cyprus, Belgium and Andorra set the route for France.

And skipper Williams insisting it’s had the right impact on players too, saying that stars wouldn’t be up for a switch to the larger Principality Stadium and adding: “This is our home ground when we play for Wales, that’s what we feel. We fill it out, it will be a great atmosphere, we’ve had a lot of success here, we’re comfortable here, we don’t see the need to move and stadium and pitch not as comfortable on. We’ve got some great memories and experiences here and we want to create more.”

The CCS press room decked out in Wales colours

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On the re-launched campaign, FAW head of commercial and marketing Ian Davis said: “The ‘Together Stronger’ brand has been incredibly successful. It has become a galvanising force for Welsh football and has resonated with everyone; players, fans, press, broadcast, partners and the FAW. We are very excited to launch our new and bold direction for our FIFA World Cup Russia Qualifiers campaign.”